The Oxbow Cheese and Wine Merchant in the Oxbow Public Market is not overly concerned with selling local cheese and wine, making it a popular place for locals to drink and shop. After all, there is a whole big world at there. The cheese selection is extensive and you can taste almost anything. You can also have a glass of wine or a flight of wines at the bar or drink a bottle on the sunny patio.
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The Oxbow Public Market features purveyors of fine foods, and the Oxbow Cheese and Wine Merchant is one of my favorite stops inside. The long display of cheeses beckons, and the staff gladly offer samples of cheese to help you find the perfect ones for your purpose, whether it's pairing with local wine or a picnic in the nearby Napa Valley hills. The shop features artisanal cheeses from local sources, both from Napa and slightly farther afield in Northern California. One thing I have not done there yet is enjoy a wine tasting, but I love the idea--you can sit at the bar next to the outdoor patio and try a flight of wine carefully chosen with a cheese board, charcuterie selection, or sandwiches and other choices from their menu. Draft beer is also available because Northern California is known for its beer (not just for great wines!).